Obi of Onitsha, HRM Alfred Achebe, recently marked his 73rd birthday with the launch of two books titled His Majesty Nnamemeka Achebe: A Ten Year Milestone and Onitsha at the Millennium: Legacy, History and Transformation.
HRM Alfred Achebe
The event took place at The Civic Centre in Lagos.
Chairman of the event, Emeka Anyaoku, said May 14 has always marked memorable milestones for Achebe.
Anyaoku, a former secretary-general of the Commonwealth, further lauded the efforts of the book, the brilliant prose and rich artistic illustrations of Onitsha throughout the work.
The reviewer, a professor of History, S.J.S Cookey, praised the books as rich and well-documented histories of the royal father and the metamorphosis of Onitsha from a native town to a modern metropolis.
“The volumes contain the intent, vision and mission of the Igwe and answers the question he asked himself when ascending the throne of his fathers, ‘Why do I aspire to lead my people?’,” he said.
Of particular interest, he said, is how Achebe, who is also chairman of Diamond Bank Plc, has resuscitated the annual Ofala festival during which he gives his annual state address announcing the achievements of the past year, current challenges and future projections to keep the indigenes abreast with the common vision.
Diamond Bank’s Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Alex Otti, said Achebe is a quintessential leader who has contributed immensely to the growth of the financial instituion.
“The entire Diamond Bank family wishes him more fruitful years ahead,” he added.
Achebe responded that he was overwhelmed by the huge turnout of friends and family to celebrate with him. He said May 14 was significant to him because aside being his birthday, he got admitted into both secondary school and the university on that date. He also ascended the throne on May 14, 2002.